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Wildflower Seeds - Northeast Region

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Seventeen species of shooting star are native to North America, including one northern species that migrated across the Bering Strait and now grows in Siberia. They belong to the primrose family, whose genus name "Dodecatheon" means "twelve gods." This refers to the ancient belief that twelve deities protected the primrose. Ancient Roman naturalist Pliny gave the name Dodecatheon to the primrose, and Carl Linnaeus used it to name this genus in 1753.

Herbalists use this member of the mint family for culinary purposes, since the leaves make an excellent tea and the flowers are also edible. Native to the north central United States, anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a traditional medicinal plant of the Native Americans; its leaves have antibacterial benefits that treat colds, coughs, or poor digestion. Because of the subtle anise flavor it gives honey, Agastache foeniculum became popular with colonists, who planted anise hyssop seeds near bee hives.

Aromatic Aster blooms very late in the fall, and distinguishes itself from other asters by its attractive balsam scented foliage and larger than usual blooms. Though rather uncommon in the wild, it usually grows in rough, dry ground or prairie soil. Originally from the Greek language, "aster" means "star." At one time, asters were called starworts, frost flowers, or Michaelmas daisies; in spite of their daisy-like petals, asters are actually diminutive members of the sunflower family. In the language of flowers, these starry blossoms symbolize elegance or daintiness. They make a traditional gift for birthdays in the month of September, or for 20th wedding anniversaries.

In spite of its name, no part of this plant causes sneezing; this name comes from the historical use of the leaves as a substitute for snuff. In former times, people often used snuff to induce sneezing in the belief that it would purge the body of evil. Linnaeus gave this family of plants the genus name "Helenium" in honor of Helen of Troy, remembering the myth that her tears produced a similar plant on the island of Pharos. Autumn Sneezeweed was known in Europe by 1729, and soon became a beloved addition to perennial gardens.

This old-fashioned flower has a long history as both an ornamental garden plant and as an herb. When dried, the petals of Calendula flowers provide a culinary substitute for saffron; in times past, they were used to give a rich color to cheese or butter. Medicinal uses included treatments for measles and smallpox, as well as for dressing wounds on the battlefield. As well as being the traditional flower for October birthdays, calendula symbolizes sorrow and sympathy.

According to traditional lore, poet John Keats first called these fragrant country flowers "sweet peas." It has also been called the queen of annuals and is the quintessential old fashioned English flower. Though accounts of this flower's origins differ, most historians agree that a Franciscan monk named Francisco Cupani found it growing when visiting the island of Sicily. In 1699, he sent the seeds of the plant to a botanist in Amsterdam, Dr. Casper Commelin, who published the first recorded description and illustration of sweet peas in 1701. Dr. Leonard Plukenet, the Royal Professor of Botany and gardener of Queen Mary, also recorded obtaining a specimen of sweet pea in the early 18th century.

This old-fashioned flower has a long history as both an ornamental garden plant and as an herb. When dried, the petals of Calendula flowers provide a culinary substitute for saffron; in times past, they were used to give a rich color to cheese or butter. Medicinal uses included treatments for measles and smallpox, as well as for dressing wounds on the battlefield. As well as being the traditional flower for October birthdays, calendula symbolizes sorrow and sympathy.

Greek botanist Theophrastus gave these flowers the genus name Dianthus, which means "divine flower." The common name of "pink" comes from the Old English word "pynken," meaning to cut or notch, in reference to the distinctive jagged edges of the petals. Actually, this family of flowers brought about the use of the word "pink" to describe a color. Thomas Jefferson once grew these lovely flowers at his Monticello estate, having received seed from Philadelphia resident and gardener Bernard McMahon in 1807.

Greek botanist Theophrastus gave these flowers the genus name Dianthus, which means "divine flower." The common name of "pink" comes from the Old English word "pynken," meaning to cut or notch, in reference to the distinctive jagged edges of the petals. Actually, this family of flowers brought about the use of the word "pink" to describe a color.

This European native is closely related to the old fashioned garden plant Sweet William. Ironically, it has no history in Deptford, a suburb in the East End of London. Its common name, Deptford Pink, was the result of a misidentification by botanist Thomas Johnson, who found and described the similar Maiden Pink in Deptford in 1633. This wildflower has been rapidly decreasing in Britain, now classified as vulnerable and protected in its natural habitat; however, it thrives throughout the rest of Europe and North America.

According to traditional lore, poet John Keats first called these fragrant country flowers "sweet peas." It has also been called the queen of annuals and is the quintessential old fashioned English flower. Though accounts of this flower's origins differ, most historians agree that a Franciscan monk named Francisco Cupani found it growing when visiting the island of Sicily. In 1699, he sent the seeds of the plant to a botanist in Amsterdam, Dr. Casper Commelin, who published the first recorded description and illustration of sweet peas in 1701. Dr. Leonard Plukenet, the Royal Professor of Botany and gardener of Queen Mary, also recorded obtaining a specimen of sweet pea in the early 18th century.

This old-fashioned flower has a long history as both an ornamental garden plant and as an herb. When dried, the petals of Calendula flowers provide a culinary substitute for saffron; in times past, they were used to give a rich color to cheese or butter. Medicinal uses included treatments for measles and smallpox, as well as for dressing wounds on the battlefield. As well as being the traditional flower for October birthdays, calendula symbolizes sorrow and sympathy.

This old-fashioned flower has a long history as both an ornamental garden plant and as an herb. When dried, the petals of Calendula flowers provide a culinary substitute for saffron; in times past, they were used to give a rich color to cheese or butter. Medicinal uses included treatments for measles and smallpox, as well as for dressing wounds on the battlefield. As well as being the traditional flower for October birthdays, calendula symbolizes sorrow and sympathy.

Greek botanist Theophrastus gave these flowers the genus name Dianthus, which means "divine flower." The common name of "pink" comes from the Old English word "pynken," meaning to cut or notch, in reference to the distinctive jagged edges of the petals. Actually, this family of flowers brought about the use of the word "pink" to describe a color.

The first botanical records of native phlox first appear in Hortus Elthamensis, botanist Johann Dillenius' published description of a famous experimental garden near London in 1732. This garden, under the care of famed English botanist William Sherard, contained several species of wild phlox from America. From that time on, gardeners seemed to agree with horticulturist Karl Foerster that "a garden without a phlox is a mistake." In the language of flowers, phlox symbolizes either the union of souls or sweet dreams. In Victorian times, a bouquet of phlox often indicated a timid proposal of marriage. The name "phlox" comes from the Greek word for "flame."

Native to the Caucasus mountains, Gold Yarrow has long been cultivated because of its fragrant fern-like foliage, and cheerful, long lasting flowers. Gold Yarrow grows taller and blooms sooner than the other colors of Yarrow, and it is not as invasive. It is a perfect border plant, and is also beautiful en masse.

Though not from the true mint family, this native American herb provides a very respectable substitute and has a long history of culinary use. The first botanical records of this plant come from French botanist Andre Michaux's notes from the late 18th century, as a result of his expedition through the mountains of Pennsylvania. The formidable genus name "Pycnanthemum" comes from Latin words meaning "many clustered flowers," while the species name "pilosum" means "softly hairy" in reference to the texture of the foliage.

This charming variety of wood mint also has the name of Hairy Pagoda Plant because of its unusual stacked clusters of flowers. Botanist Frederick Pursh was the first to describe this native plant, publishing it in his Flora Americae Septenrionalis in 1814. Its genus name "Blephilia" means "eyelash," in reference to the fringes of soft hairs on the blossoms. In the wild, Hairy Wood Mint grows in rich woodland soil or in sheltered areas.

According to legend, an 18th century healer named Joe Pye often used this plant for curing fevers and other sickness. Early settlers used this plant in the treatment of typhus, while Native Americans used it to cause the body to sweat. The genus name "Eupatorium" comes from a connection to an ancient Greek king named Eupator, who was rumored to have found an herbal antidote to poison that included this species. Though it has become increasingly rare in the wild, it can still be found occasionally in moist areas such as swamps and riverbanks.

According to traditional lore, poet John Keats first called these fragrant country flowers "sweet peas." It has also been called the queen of annuals and is the quintessential old fashioned English flower. Though accounts of this flower's origins differ, most historians agree that a Franciscan monk named Francisco Cupani found it growing when visiting the island of Sicily. In 1699, he sent the seeds of the plant to a botanist in Amsterdam, Dr. Casper Commelin, who published the first recorded description and illustration of sweet peas in 1701. Dr. Leonard Plukenet, the Royal Professor of Botany and gardener of Queen Mary, also recorded obtaining a specimen of sweet pea in the early 18th century.

Though not a member of the mint family, this plant has a distinct herbal scent that has hints of citrus. Because its leaves contain citronellol, the essential oil distilled from this plant has a repellent effect on insects. The genus name Monarda honors Spanish botanist Nicolas Bautista Monardes, who studied herbal and medicinal plants from North America during the 16th century. The species name "citriodora" comes from Latin words meaning "having a citrus aroma."

Greek botanist Theophrastus gave these flowers the genus name Dianthus, which means "divine flower." The common name of "pink" comes from the Old English word "pynken," meaning to cut or notch, in reference to the distinctive jagged edges of the petals. Actually, this family of flowers brought about the use of the word "pink" to describe a color.

According to traditional lore, poet John Keats first called these fragrant country flowers "sweet peas." It has also been called the queen of annuals and is the quintessential old fashioned English flower. Though accounts of this flower's origins differ, most historians agree that a Franciscan monk named Francisco Cupani found it growing when visiting the island of Sicily. In 1699, he sent the seeds of the plant to a botanist in Amsterdam, Dr. Casper Commelin, who published the first recorded description and illustration of sweet peas in 1701. Dr. Leonard Plukenet, the Royal Professor of Botany and gardener of Queen Mary, also recorded obtaining a specimen of sweet pea in the early 18th century.

The first botanical records of native phlox first appear in Hortus Elthamensis, botanist Johann Dillenius' published description of a famous experimental garden near London in 1732. This garden, under the care of famed English botanist William Sherard, contained several species of wild phlox from America. From that time on, gardeners seemed to agree with horticulturist Karl Foerster that "a garden without a phlox is a mistake." In the language of flowers, phlox symbolizes either the union of souls or sweet dreams. In Victorian times, a bouquet of phlox often indicated a timid proposal of marriage. The name "phlox" comes from the Greek word for "flame," while the species name "glaberrima" means "hairless" in reference to this plant's entirely smooth foliage.

The genus name "Nicotiana" honors Jean Nicot, who introduced the tobacco plant to Europe via the French royal court. The plant immediately became widely used as a medicinal remedy for a variety of illnesses. This plant is still commonly used in South America as a narcotic and herbal treatment. Due to the extremely high nicotine content in its leaves, this plant also makes an excellent natural pesticide.

Seventeen species of shooting star are native to North America, including one northern species that migrated across the Bering Strait and now grows in Siberia. They belong to the primrose family, whose genus name Dodecatheon means "twelve gods." This refers to the ancient belief that twelve deities protected the primrose. Ancient Roman naturalist Pliny gave the name Dodecatheon to the primrose, and Carl Linnaeus used it to name this genus in 1753. The species name "meadia" honors Richard Mead (1673-1754), a botanist and court doctor in the days of English monarch George II.

The first botanical records of annual phlox first appear in Hortus Elthamensis, botanist Johann Dillenius' published description of a famous experimental garden near London in 1732. This garden, under the care of famed English botanist William Sherard, contained several species of wild phlox from America. From that time on, gardeners seemed to agree with horticulturist Karl Foerster that "a garden without a phlox is a mistake." In the language of flowers, phlox symbolizes either the union of souls or sweet dreams. In Victorian times, a bouquet of phlox often indicated a timid proposal of marriage. The name "phlox" comes from the Greek word for "flame." The species name "drummondii" honors 19th century Scottish botanist Thomas Drummond, who traveled extensively throughout the United States collecting unique plants. These Drummond's phlox seeds came from Texas, where Drummond spent nearly two years.

Though not from the true mint family, this native American herb provides a very respectable substitute and has a long history of culinary use. The first botanical records of this plant come from French botanist Andre Michaux's notes from the late 18th century, as a result of his expedition through the frontier of Pennsylvania. The formidable genus name "Pycnanthemum" comes from Latin words meaning "many clustered flowers," while the species name "virginianum" means "of Virginia."

During the time of the Revolutionary War, the American colonists began making their own tea as a substitute for the expensive Chinese or British tea. The leaves of this nitrogen-fixing native shrub, which grew abundantly in New Jersey, could be used to make a beverage much like black tea. Native American women often used the fragrant flowers as a soap, since they produce a gentle lather and cleansing agent; the entire plant has also been used in the production of brown, green, and red dyes. This plant is a host for several butterfly species such as Spring and Summer Azures and the Mottled Duskywing. Its deep, extensive root system makes it one of the most fire-resistant shrubs on the prairie; fire may actually improve the germination of its seeds.

This old-fashioned flower has a long history as both an ornamental garden plant and as an herb. When dried, the petals of Calendula flowers provide a culinary substitute for saffron; in times past, they were used to give a rich color to cheese or butter. Medicinal uses included treatments for measles and smallpox, as well as for dressing wounds on the battlefield. As well as being the traditional flower for October birthdays, calendula symbolizes sorrow and sympathy.

In spite of the delicate beauty of its blooms, this native plant is one of the prairie's toughest plants. Because of its extensive root system, it also has excellent resistance to prairie fires. The Latin species name "carolina" refers to this plant's native growth in the southern states of North and South Carolina.

The first botanical records of native phlox first appear in Hortus Elthamensis, botanist Johann Dillenius' published description of a famous experimental garden near London in 1732. This garden, under the care of famed English botanist William Sherard, contained several species of wild phlox from America. From that time on, gardeners seemed to agree with horticulturist Karl Foerster that "a garden without a phlox is a mistake." In the language of flowers, phlox symbolizes either the union of souls or sweet dreams. In Victorian times, a bouquet of phlox often indicated a timid proposal of marriage. The name "phlox" comes from the Greek word for "flame," while the species name "pilosa" means "hairy" in reference to the texture of the foliage.

In spite of the delicate beauty of its blooms, this native plant is one of the prairie's toughest plants. Botanical records show that even in the terrible midwestern drought of 1934, prairie roses flourished in unprecedented numbers and showed no signs of stress. Because of their extensive root system, they also have excellent resistance to prairie fires. The Latin species name "arkansana" refers to Colorado's Arkansas River, where well known American botanist and professor Thomas C. Porter collected the first known specimen.

This variation of traditional bergamot has a lovely hot pink tint that makes it a definite favorite among gardeners. Besides being a popular choice for making herbal tea, this plant once had a place in many homes as a sweet scented potpourri. The genus name Monarda honors Spanish botanist Nicolas Bautista Monardes, who studied herbal and medicinal plants from North America during the 16th century.

Giant Hyssop grows wild across the central prairie regions of the United States and Canada. Native Americans used the rough, serrated leaves in poultices to relieve poison ivy rash, as well as brewing them for tea. A popular choice for planting in perennial gardens, it attracts bees and butterflies as well as small birds. As a cut flower, it performs very well; in Holland, research and development is under way to produce a hybrid of this variety especially suited for the cut flower industry. Giant hyssop can usually be found growing wild in meadows, along fences, or in deciduous woods and brush.

Because of its early use as a remedy for beestings, this native plant has been called "bee balm." Another common name, Oswego Tea, comes from the Oswego Indians' use of the leaves for brewing tea.The genus name Monarda honors Spanish botanist Nicolas Bautista Monardes, who studied herbal and medicinal plants from North America during the 16th century. The species name "didyma" comes from Latin words meaning "in pairs," referring to the stamens of the flowers.

The first botanical records of native phlox first appear in Hortus Elthamensis, botanist Johann Dillenius' published description of a famous experimental garden near London in 1732. This garden, under the care of famed English botanist William Sherard, contained several species of wild phlox from America. From that time on, gardeners seemed to agree with horticulturist Karl Foerster that "a garden without a phlox is a mistake." In the language of flowers, phlox symbolizes either the union of souls or sweet dreams. In Victorian times, a bouquet of phlox often indicated a timid proposal of marriage. The name "phlox" comes from the Greek word for "flame." The species name "drummondii" honors 19th century Scottish botanist Thomas Drummond, who traveled extensively throughout the United States collecting unique plants. This particular wild phlox came from Texas, where Drummond spent nearly two years.

Native to Southern Europe, yarrow has been a traditional part of herb gardens for hundreds of years because of its fragrant foliage, medicinal uses, and cheerful, long lasting flowers. Yarrow can often be found in growing in dry fields, along roads, or on rocky hillsides. It can be somewhat invasive if it has the opportunity. Linnaeus named it for Greek general Achilles, who according to legend received yarrow as a gift from the gods - the general's soldiers used yarrow to stanch the flow of their blood in the battlefields of the Trojan War. In the early days of the American prairies, Native American tribes such as the Pawnee, Cherokee, and Chippewa used common yarrow to relieve pain and headaches, reduce fever, and induce sleep. Cosmetic preparations sometimes include yarrow because of its cleansing, refreshing effect. When taken internally as a tea, yarrow purifies the system and has anti-inflammatory benefits. Cosmetic preparations sometimes include yarrow because of its cleansing, refreshing effect. Medicinal use of yarrow is not recommended for expectant mothers.

According to traditional lore, poet John Keats first called these fragrant country flowers "sweet peas." It has also been called the queen of annuals and is the quintessential old fashioned English flower. Though accounts of this flower's origins differ, most historians agree that a Franciscan monk named Francisco Cupani found it growing when visiting the island of Sicily. In 1699, he sent the seeds of the plant to a botanist in Amsterdam, Dr. Casper Commelin, who published the first recorded description and illustration of sweet peas in 1701. Dr. Leonard Plukenet, the Royal Professor of Botany and gardener of Queen Mary, also recorded obtaining a specimen of sweet pea in the early 18th century.

This variation of traditional bergamot has a distinctive oregano-like scent that makes it a definite favorite among gardeners and herbalists. Besides being a popular choice for making herbal tea, this plant once had a place in many homes as a sweet scented potpourri. The genus name Monarda honors Spanish botanist Nicolas Bautista Monardes, who studied herbal and medicinal plants from North America during the 16th century. The species name "punctata" means "dotted," referring to the small purple spots on the blossoms.

Since it tolerates flooding and coastal exposure, this hardy plant is valued for its versatility as a ground cover or grazing plant. It originally grew wild on the slopes of the Mediterranean, as well as parts of central Europe and Asia. The genus name "Trifolium" refers to the distinctive three leaflets of the foliage. The species name "fragiferum" means "strawberry bearing," since the mature flower heads resemble strawberries.

In spite of the delicate beauty of its blooms, this native plant is one of the prairie's toughest plants. Unlike many native roses, this particular species thrives in constantly wet soil; in the wild, it can often be found along streams or in swamps. The Latin species name "palustris" means "of marshes," referring to this plant's preference for wet soil.

According to legend, an 18th century healer named Joe Pye often used this plant for curing fevers and other sickness. Early settlers used this plant in the treatment of typhus, while Native Americans used it to cause the body to sweat. The genus name "Eupatorium" comes from a connection to an ancient Greek king named Eupator, who was rumored to have found an herbal antidote to poison that included this species. Though it has become increasingly rare in the wild, it can still be found occasionally in moist areas such as swamps and riverbanks.

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) belongs to the Dianthus flower family, which also includes pinks and carnations. Greek botanist Theophrastus gave these flowers the genus name Dianthus, which means "divine flower." The origin of the common name Sweet William has been debated, though one interesting theory states that the "William" comes from a mispronunciation of the French word for the flower, "oiellet." The name has also been said to honor either William Shakespeare, the Duke of York, the Duke of Cumberland, or William the Conqueror. Their sweetness comes from the distinctive clove-like scent of the blossoms; in the language of flowers, this flower symbolizes gallantry.

The unusual name comes from the Native American Dakota tribe, meaning "fragrant leaves." Legend has it that this plant had an important role in the native sun dance. This variation of traditional bergamot has a clean, true lemon scent that makes it a definite favorite among gardeners and herbalists. Besides being a popular choice for making herbal tea, this plant once had a place in many homes as a sweet scented potpourri. The genus name Monarda honors Spanish botanist Nicolas Bautista Monardes, who studied herbal and medicinal plants from North America during the 16th century.

Western Yarrow is one of the most common wildflowers in the western and prairie regions of the United States, as well as growing throughout Canada. Its feathery foliage is a major source of food for bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, deer, and wild fowl. In the early days of the American prairies, Native American tribes such as the Pawnee, Cherokee, and Chippewa used common yarrow to relieve pain and headaches, reduce fever, and induce sleep. Cosmetic preparations sometimes include yarrow because of its cleansing, refreshing effect.

Native to Southern Europe, yarrow has been a traditional part of herb gardens for hundreds of years because of its fragrant foliage and cheerful, long lasting flowers. Yarrow can often be found in fields, along roads, or on rocky hillsides. Linnaeus named it for Greek general Achilles, who according to legend received yarrow as a gift from the gods; the general's soldiers used yarrow to stanch the flow of their blood in the battlefields of the Trojan War. In the early days of the American prairies, Native American tribes such as the Pawnee, Cherokee, and Chippewa used common yarrow to relieve pain and headaches, reduce fever, and induce sleep. Cosmetic preparations sometimes include yarrow because of its cleansing, refreshing effect.

Besides being a popular choice for making herbal tea, this plant once had a place in many homes as a sweet scented potpourri. The essential oils in its leaves also made it an excellent flavoring for both foods and beverages. Because of its many uses and its stunning blossoms, the Herb Society of America gave this plant the 2013 Notable Native Herb award. The genus name Monarda honors Spanish botanist Nicolas Bautista Monardes, who studied herbal and medicinal plants from North America during the 16th century. The species name "fistulas" comes from a Latin word meaning "tubular," referring to the shape of each flower's many spikes.

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